This document discusses key legislations related to road transport and national highways in India. It outlines the National Highways Act of 1956 which defines national highways and gives responsibilities to the central government. It also describes the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 which consolidates laws around motor vehicles and defines related terms. Some issues with road transport development are multiple agencies, limited local authority, and urban transport being a marginal function. Solutions proposed include governance reforms, a national urban transport policy, and mass transit system development.

1. Road Transport and Highways in
India
Presented By:
Rashi Saxena

2. Contents
1. Important Legislations related to Road
Transport and National Highways in India
2. National Highways Act, 1956
3. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
4. References

3. Important Legislations related to Road
Transport & National Highways in India
• Indian Tolls Act, 1864
• National Highways Act, 1956
• Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
• National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988
• Central Road Fund Act, 2000
• Control of National Highways (Land and
Traffic) Act, 2002
• Carriage by Road Act, 2007

4. National Highways are of Critical Importance
“National Highways are not only arteries of the economy but also the
backbone for cultural exchange, social equity, national unity and
integrity.”

5. National Highways Act, 1956
Highlights-
• Declaration of highways situated in any
“municipal area” as National Highways (NH)
• The Central Govt. may, by notification in the
Official Gazette:
1. declare any other highway to be a NH
2. omit any highway from the Schedule. The
highway so omitted shall cease to be a NH

6. • “Highways” include:
1. all lands appurtenant thereto
2. all tunnels, bridges, etc. constructed on or
across such highways
3. fences, trees, milestones, etc. of such
highways or lands
Responsibilities of the Central Government
• Fees for services or benefits rendered on the
highways

7. • Agreements with state governments or
municipalities
The Central Govt. has the power to make rules
for carrying out the purposes of this Act

8. Roads & Highways in India
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS &
CURRENT ISSUES

9. National Road Transport Policy
• Participation of private sector
• Focus on environmental, technological and
fiscal aspects of motorized transport

10. The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
• To consolidate and amend the law relating to
motor vehicles
• Extends to the whole of India
• Defines 49 related terms that include:
contract carriage, dealer, driver, driving
license, educational institutional
bus, fares, goods, learner’s license, motor
car, motor cycle, motor vehicle, etc.

11. • Motor Vehicle: Any mechanically propelled
vehicle adapted for use upon roads
• Necessity for driving license: for
driving/renting a motor vehicle, other than
while receiving instructions in driving a motor
vehicle
Age limits:
• Motor Vehicle- 18 years
• Motor Cycle without gear- 16 years
• Transport Vehicle- 20 years

12. Some of the powers of Central Govt. to make
rules:
• providing for the form in which the
application for learner' s and driver’s licence
may be made, the information it shall contain
and the documents to be submitted with the
application
• providing for the particulars regarding test of
competence to drive
• providing for the authority to grant licences
• any other matter which is, or has to
be, prescribed by the Central Government

13. Some of the powers of State Governments to
make rules:
• the appointment, jurisdiction, control and
functions of licensing authorities and other
prescribed authorities
• the issue of duplicate licences to replace licences
lost, destroyed or mutilated, the replacement of
photographs which have become obsolete and
the fees to be charged there for
• the duties, functions and conduct of such
persons to whom licences to drive transport
vehicles are issued

14. Some Issues
IMPEDIMENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT
OF ROAD TRANSPORT

15. • Multiplicity of Agencies
• Limited Authority at the local level
• Urban transport is a marginal function for
most agencies

16. The Solutions
WAY FORWARD

17. Governance and Regulatory Reforms
National Urban Transport Policy:
• Integration of land use and transport planning
• Promoting public transport
• Development of Mass Transit Systems, etc.

18. References
• India Infrastructure Report, 2006 (3i Network)
• Indian Law: http://www.indlaw.com/
• National Highways Act:
http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1222415/
• Ministry of Road Transport & Highways:
http://morth.nic.in/
• Motor Vehicles Act:
http://www.indiankanoon.org/doc/1165794/

19. Queries?
THANK YOU!